Historically, invasive surgical procedures or injectable dermal fillers may have been the only ways to restore youthful texture and firmness; however, many of these treatments have an elevated risk of complications and also place extensive demands on your body (and time) for recovery. Today, your trusted provider of dentistry with a holistic touch, Olivia Hart DDS & MD, IBDM, regains smooth, wrinkle-free skin gently, safely, and quickly from the inside out.

There are many different types of lasers used by dermatologists to refresh the skin. These laser devices are applied to the skin’s surface. The energy generated by the laser heats the treatment areas, stimulating the formation of collagen proteins. Collagen is produced by your body naturally. It’s abundant in youth, but over time your body produces less collagen and other substances, including elastin and hyaluronic acid vital to skin tightness and texture. Lifestyle and environmental factors, including unprotected exposure to the UV rays from the sun and tanning beds, speed up these age-related changes and produce signs of premature aging.

Conventionally, dermatologists have manually exfoliated the skin with other types of devices or with chemicals. Traditional lasers, microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, chemical peels, and other techniques often require special preparation, downtime, and post-treatment instructions and healing. Additionally, many patients aren’t good candidates for these treatments because of factors such as their medical history and skin tone, the latter factor of which elevates the risk of complications such as persistent hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

More invasive procedures are available for patients with moderate to severe wrinkling around the nose and mouth, including facelifts. These surgical treatments carry with them even greater demands on your body and time and are not attractive nor suitable options for all patients.

So, why is a dental practice talking about signs of aging like wrinkles and cosmetic treatments?

Dr. Hart and the team at Richmond Family Dentistry offer a revolutionary treatment to soften lines and wrinkles by harnessing the power of intra oral techniques. Dr. Hart and her team partner with you to regain or maintain a youthful smile, without discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment, and other concerns that added years to your appearance and detract from your natural beauty. Few dentists, however, address the wrinkles near the “smile zone” that can detract from your stunning smile, and add years to otherwise youthful teeth and gums.

In contrast to the many dermatological devices and procedures, SmoothLase® never comes in contact with the surface of the skin. That’s right – the device that Dr. Hart uses to soften lines and folds is placed inside of your mouth. The energy from the laser is applied in a controlled fashion to precisely target the tissues inside of your mouth. As the tissues are heated, the production of collagen is stimulated. More collagen equates to tighter, firmer skin.

It’s possible to notice improvements in the nasolabial folds around the mouth and nose within a single 30-minute session.

The changes produced by this powerful, FDA-cleared laser represent a process, so the full effects are revealed gradually, sometimes in around two to three treatments.

It’s a gentle and comfortable treatment that doesn’t require special preparation.

Because it is not invasive, the laser doesn’t require pain-relieving medication or sedatives (as is typically the case with many other cosmetic treatments).

SmoothLase® is like a facelift “from the inside out,” only without the risks, post-surgical swelling, peeling, redness, and other irregularities. Patients also avoid concerns over unpredictable results or results that look more like someone else, rather than a refreshed version of themselves. With SmoothLase®, you don’t have to take days or weeks off from work or avoid exercise or other activities following the procedure. SmoothLase® complements your busy and active lifestyle and may be easily integrated into routine dental appointments – such as check-ups and cleanings at the Richmond Family Dentistry office.

Laser devices such as NightLase® are available to non-surgically treat conditions such as sleep apnea. Dr. Hart and her team’s procedures transcend the expected or conventional. Boost your overall wellbeing. Call(804) 381-6238 to schedule an appointment at the Richmond, VA office.